Writer, poet, and editor of New Orleans. She was active in various local and national literary groups, and had works published in a varriety of journals. Ms. Shay also edited several local magazines including The Nutshell, Mardi Gras Parade, The Beacon, and Pen Patter. She founded Poetry Day in Louisiana and worked for the establishment of Louisiana Cookery Week.

The papers comprise .5 linear feet of correspondence, articles, and a collection of "Little Magazines." The correspondence (including some photocopies) deal with the origins of Poetry Day and Louisiana Cookery Week. The articles include items both by and about Ms. Shay. The "Little Magazines" were collected from around the country, and include several that were edited by Ms. Shay.